Barbora Krejcikova leaves Strasbourg but two former world No. 1 accept the wildcard
World number 2 Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from Strasbourg, but tournament organizers have announced that Karolina Pliskova and Angelique Kerber have accepted wildcards for the event.
Wimbledon 2021 runner-up Karolina Pliskova replaces @BKrejcikova who is still not recovered from his injury contracted in Doha.
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We can’t wait to admire it on Strasbourg clay! — Strasbourg International (@WTA_Strasbourg) May 12, 2022
Krejcikova, 26, had a stellar season on clay last year, but this year didn’t even have a chance to compete for the biggest clay-court titles.
Last year, Krejcikova won her first WTA title in Strasbourg, before winning her first Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros. Krejcikova made her Strasbourg debut last year and it was quite an impressive start as she ended up winning the title.
Unfortunately for Krejcikova and the Strasbourg organizers, the Czech will not be able to defend her title this year.
Krejcikova struggling with an arm injury
Krejcikova has been sidelined for the past three months as she last played in mid-February in Doha.
After a round of 16 exit in Doha, Krejcikova went to Indian Wells but did not take part in the tournament. “I am extremely disappointed and sad to withdraw from the BNP Paribas Open. I was looking forward to playing in Indian Wells but unfortunately I will not be able to do so this year.
I have had arm pain on and off since Doha which escalated today overnight and together with my team I had to make the very difficult decision to retire. I will focus on getting the right treatment as soon as possible and hopefully I can be back on the pitch as soon as possible,” Krejcikova announced in early March.
Losing Krejcikova is certainly a blow for the Strasbourg organizers, but they are also certainly delighted to have two former world No. 1s, Pliskova and Kerber.
A new Wild Card is awarded to Karolina PLISKOVA!
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After the announcement of Angélique KERBER, a second ex-world number 1 will be presented to #IS22 ! pic.twitter.com/C0MF2SSdDx — Strasbourg International (@WTA_Strasbourg) May 12, 2022
The former world number 1, Angelique KERBER 🇩🇪 #IS22 !
The 34-year-old left-hander with an impressive track record returns to the IS for the second time after an express visit in 2011. pic.twitter.com/HPEh8mZJwV — Strasbourg International (@WTA_Strasbourg) May 11, 2022
Pliskova is set to make her second appearance for Strasbourg.
Pliskova made her Strasbourg debut in 2013, when she lost to Misaki Doi in the first round. Kerber is also expected to play in Strasbourg for the second time. Kerber’s only Strasbourg appearance was in 2011, when she was beaten by Laure Pous-Tio in the first round.